Communication apparatus and communication method

ABSTRACT

A communication apparatus includes a user signal transmission unit that transmits a user signal required for an end user to perform communication; a manager function implementing unit that implements a function provided to a manager of the present apparatus; a license monitoring unit that monitors a license of the present apparatus, and outputs a function limitation signal when the license has expired; and a function limitation unit that limits the function implemented by the manager function implementing unit when receiving the function limitation signal. In a communication apparatus that transmits a user signal required for an end user to perform communication, a function of the apparatus is limited when a relevant license has expired, while preventing an influence of the limitation upon the end user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication apparatus thattransmits a user signal required for an end user to performcommunication, and a corresponding communication method.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-127527,filed May 27, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND ART

A technique for limiting the use period of a product has been proposedso as to perform charging based on a license relating to the use periodof the product.

For example, in a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when areproduction instruction for contents is issued, the client receives aserver time TT from a server through a network, and stores the receivedserver time TT into a storage module. When the license of the contentsto be reproduced has a time limitation, the evaluation of the license isperformed based on the stored server time TT, thereby preventing anunauthorized reproduction of contents limited in the reproductionperiod.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, FirstPublication No. 2005-128960.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, if the above-described conventional technique is applied to acommunication apparatus, which transmits a user signal required for anend user to perform communication, so as to limit the use period of theapparatus, then an entrepreneur who should update the license of theapparatus performs no updating and the communication apparatus can notwork. Such a case affects, not only the entrepreneur, but also the enduser who wants to perform communication.

In light of the above circumstances, an object of the present inventionis to provide a communication apparatus that transmits a user signalrequired for an end user to perform communication, and a correspondingcommunication method, so as to make it possible to limit a function ofthe apparatus when a relevant license has expired, while preventing aninfluence of the limitation upon the end user.

Means for Solving the Problem

A mode of the present invention is a communication apparatus comprising:

a user signal transmission unit that transmits a user signal requiredfor an end user to perform communication;

a manager function implementing unit that implements a function providedto a manager of the present apparatus;

a license monitoring unit that monitors a license of the presentapparatus, and outputs a function limitation signal when the license hasexpired; and

a function limitation unit that limits the function implemented by themanager function implementing unit when receiving the functionlimitation signal.

Another mode of the present invention is a communication methodcomprising:

a user signal transmission step, performed by a communication apparatus,that transmits a user signal required for an end user to performcommunication;

a manager function implementing step, performed by the communicationapparatus, that implements a function provided to a manager of thepresent apparatus;

a license monitoring step, performed by the communication apparatus,that monitors a license of the present apparatus, and outputs a functionlimitation signal when the license has expired; and

a function limitation step, performed by the communication apparatus,that limits the function, which is implemented in the manager functionimplementing step, in accordance with the function limitation signal.

Another mode of the present invention is a program that makes a computerexecute:

a user signal transmission step that transmits a user signal requiredfor an end user to perform communication;

a manager function implementing step that implements a function providedto a manager of the present apparatus;

a license monitoring step that monitors a license of the presentapparatus, and outputs a function limitation signal when the license hasexpired; and

a function limitation step that limits the function, which isimplemented in the manager function implementing step, in accordancewith the function limitation signal.

Effect of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention relating to a communicationapparatus that transmits a user signal required for an end user toperform communication, it is possible to limit a function of theapparatus when a relevant license has expired, while preventing aninfluence of the limitation upon the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a base stationcommunication system.

FIG. 2 is a general block diagram showing the functional structure of acommunication apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation relating to the license,among the operations of the communication apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a general block diagram showing the functional structure of avariation of the communication apparatus.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a base stationcommunication system 1.

The base station communication system 1 includes a communicationapparatus 10 (communication apparatuses 10-1 to 10-4 are collectivelycalled the communication apparatuses 10), a base transfer station 20, aradio network controller 30, a monitored apparatus 40, managementcommunication apparatuses 50, and a central monitoring apparatus 60. Thebase station communication system 1 functions as a radio access networkwhich is a part of a mobile communication system.

A plurality of communication apparatuses 10 are provided between thebase transfer station 20 and the radio network controller 30. A userline, a management line, and a network monitoring line are providedbetween adjacent communication apparatuses 10. Accordingly, thecommunication apparatuses 10 function as relay apparatuses so as to forma communication path between the base transfer station 20 and the radionetwork controller 30. The structures of the base transfer station 20and the communication apparatuses 10 will be explained in detail.

The user line is provided for transmitting a signal (user signal) whichmay be a signal sent from or to a mobile station apparatus MS or acontrol signal for communication between the base transfer station 20and another apparatus (e.g., another base transfer station 20 or theradio network controller 30).

If the user line is disconnected, the base transfer station 20 cannotperform communication, and subsequently telephone and data communicationusing the mobile station apparatus MS cannot be performed.

The management line is provided for transmitting a signal (managementsignal) for telephone and data communication, where an entrepreneur whomanages the mobile communication system or the base stationcommunication system 1 uses the signal for managing the system.

The management signal may be a speech signal in telephone communicationprocessing or a signal for data communication between the managementcommunication apparatuses 50. If the management line is disconnected,the management communication apparatuses 50, who have performedtelephone or data communication via the disconnected part, cannotperform the telephone or data communication.

The network monitoring line is provided for transmitting a signal(network monitoring signal) which is used for monitoring and controllingthe entire system by using an NMS (Network Management System) or thelike.

The network monitoring signal may be a signal that indicates monitoringinformation about each communication apparatus 10, the base transferstation 20, or the monitored apparatus 40, or a control signal used bythe central monitoring apparatus 60 to control each apparatus 10, thebase transfer station 20, or the monitored apparatus 40.

If the network monitoring line is disconnected, monitoring informationabout each apparatus present between the disconnected point and the basetransfer station 20 does not reach each communication apparatus 10 andthe central monitoring apparatus 60 present between the disconnectedpoint and the radio network controller 30.

The base transfer station 20 is provided at an end of the mobilecommunication system, and communicates with the mobile station apparatusMS by means of radio communication. The base transfer station 20 alsocommunicates with the radio network controller 30 via the communicationapparatus 10 connected to itself (i.e., communication apparatus 10-1 inFIG. 1) and other communication apparatuses 10 (i.e., communicationapparatus 10-2 to 10-4 in FIG. 1) through the user line.

The radio network controller 30 is provided at a boundary between theradio access network and a core network in the mobile communicationsystem. The radio network controller 30 communicates with the basetransfer station 20 via the communication apparatus 10 connected toitself (i.e., communication apparatus 10-4 in FIG. 1) and othercommunication apparatuses 10 (i.e., communication apparatus 10-1 to 10-3in FIG. 1) through the user line.

The monitored apparatus 40 is an electronic apparatus monitored by thecommunication apparatus 10 or the central monitoring apparatus 60, andmay be a power supply management apparatus, a security managementapparatus, or a reference clock management apparatus. The monitoredapparatus 40 sends the relevant communication apparatus 10 a signalwhich indicates monitoring information, and receives a control signalfrom the communication apparatus 10 so as to update its settings inaccordance with the control signal.

The management communication apparatus 50 is connected to thecommunication apparatus 10 so as to communicate with another managementcommunication apparatus 50 via the management line. The managementcommunication apparatus 50 is used as a terminal apparatus for telephoneor data communication performed by an entrepreneur who manages themobile communication system or the base station communication system 1,so as to manage the relevant system.

The central monitoring apparatus 60 is an information processingapparatus used for monitoring the state of each apparatus provided inthe base station communication system 1. The central monitoringapparatus 60 receives monitoring information from each apparatusprovided in the base station communication system 1 via the networkmonitoring line, and monitors whether or not an abnormal state hasoccurred in each apparatus in accordance with a determination criterionwhich is predetermined. When an abnormal state has occurred, the centralmonitoring apparatus 60 displays information which indicates that anabnormal state has occurred and information relating to the abnormalstate, so as to inform a monitor (i.e., the user of the centralmonitoring apparatus 60) of the occurrence of the abnormal state.

Additionally, in accordance with a presetting or an operation by themonitor, the central monitoring apparatus 60 sends each apparatusprovided in the base station communication system 1 a control signalused for updating the settings of each apparatus via the networkmonitoring line.

The target apparatus for the monitoring by the central monitoringapparatus 60 may be the communication apparatus 10, the base transferstation 20, or the monitored apparatus 40.

FIG. 2 is a general block diagram showing the functional structure ofeach communication apparatus 10.

The communication apparatus 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), amemory, and an auxiliary storage unit, which are connected to each othervia buses, and functions as an apparatus having the following unites byexecuting a communication program: a user line processing unit 101, amanagement line processing unit 102, a network monitoring lineprocessing unit 103, a signal multiplexing unit 104, a radio sending andreceiving unit 105, a signal extraction unit 106, a transmission pathmonitoring unit 107, a transmission path controlling unit 108, an alarmdisplay unit 109, an apparatus setting unit 110, a license informationstorage unit 111, a license period monitoring unit 112, a terminalconnection unit 113, a first function limitation unit 121, a secondfunction limitation unit 122, and a third function limitation unit 123.

All or part of each function of the communication apparatus 10 may beimplemented using a hardware resource such as ASIC (Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit) or PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

The user line processing unit 101 performs signal processing used forcommunication (transmission and reception) of a user signal with anotherapparatus.

For example, the user line processing unit 101 of the communicationapparatus 10-1 (i) receives a user signal from the base transfer station20 and outputs it to the signal multiplexing unit 104, and (ii) receivesa user signal extracted by the signal extraction unit 106 and outputs itto the base transfer station 20.

The user line processing unit 101 of the communication apparatus 10-2(i) receives a user signal extracted by the signal extraction unit 106and outputs it to the user line processing unit 101 of the communicationapparatus 10-3, and (ii) receives a user signal from the user lineprocessing unit 101 of the communication apparatus 10-3 and outputs itto the signal multiplexing unit 104.

The user line processing unit 101 of the communication apparatus 10-3(i) receives a user signal extracted by the signal extraction unit 106and outputs it to the user line processing unit 101 of the communicationapparatus 10-2, and (ii) receives a user signal from the user lineprocessing unit 101 of the communication apparatus 10-2 and outputs itto the signal multiplexing unit 104.

The user line processing unit 101 of the communication apparatus 10-4(i) receives a user signal from the radio network controller 30 andoutputs it to the signal multiplexing unit 104, and (ii) receives a usersignal extracted by the signal extraction unit 106 and outputs it to theradio network controller 30.

The management line processing unit 102 performs signal processing usedfor communication (transmission and reception) of a management signalwith another apparatus.

For example, the management line processing unit 102 of thecommunication apparatuses 10-1 and 10-2) (i) receives a managementsignal from the management communication apparatus 50 and outputs it viathe first function limitation unit 121 to the signal multiplexing unit104, and (ii) receives a management signal extracted by the signalextraction unit 106 via the first function limitation unit 121 andoutputs the received signal to the management communication apparatus50.

The network monitoring line processing unit 103 performs signalprocessing used for communication (transmission and reception) of anetwork monitoring signal with another apparatus.

For example, the network monitoring line processing unit 103 of thecommunication apparatus 10-1 has the following functions.

-   (i) It receives monitoring information (i.e., an external NMS    signal) from each of the base transfer station 20 and the monitored    apparatus 40 and outputs the information as the network monitoring    signal to the signal multiplexing unit 104.-   (ii) It receives apparatus alarm information via the third function    limitation unit 123 from the transmission path monitoring unit 107    and outputs the information as monitoring information for the    present apparatus to the signal multiplexing unit 104.-   (iii) It detects in a network monitoring signal extracted by the    106, a control signal addressed to another apparatus (the base    transfer station 20 or the monitored apparatus 40) connected to the    present apparatus, and outputs the control signal to each apparatus    as an addressee thereof.

The signal multiplexing unit 104 multiplexes the signals received fromthe user line processing unit 101, the management line processing unit102, and the network monitoring line processing unit 103 into a radiosignal to be output to the radio sending and receiving unit 105.

The signal multiplexing unit 104 may employ any multiplexing method suchas time-division multiplexing, frequency-division multiplexing, orwavelength-division multiplexing.

The radio sending and receiving unit 105 performs communication withanother communication apparatus 10. Specifically, the radio sending andreceiving unit 105 has the following functions.

-   (i) It outputs the multiplexed transmission signal to a radio    transmission path, so as to send the signal to another communication    apparatus 10.-   (ii) It outputs a radio signal, which has been received from another    communication apparatus 10 via the radio transmission path, to the    signal extraction unit 106.-   (iii) It generates information relating to the state of the radio    transmission path (i.e., transmission path state information)    between the present apparatus and another communication apparatus    10, and informs the transmission path monitoring unit 107 of the    information.-   (iv) It performs control for the radio communication (e.g., control    of the level of the transmission signal or line switching    processing) based on a control signal received from the transmission    path controlling unit 108.

The above transmission path state information may indicate the level ofa received signal or the trouble state of the transmission path. Whenthe radio communication between the communication apparatuses 10 employserror correction codes, the transmission path state information mayinclude an error rate.

The signal extraction unit 106 extracts, from the signal received by theradio sending and receiving unit 105 (i.e., received signal), individualsignals assigned to the user line, the management line, and the networkmonitoring line, and outputs the signals to the corresponding processingunit 101 to 103.

The transmission path monitoring unit 107 monitors the transmission pathstate information received from the radio sending and receiving unit105. When the transmission path state information indicates apredetermined state, the transmission path monitoring unit 107 generates“apparatus alarm information” which contains an alarm and transmissionpath state information relating to the alarm.

For example, if the level of the received signal, which is contained inthe transmission path state information, is lower than a predeterminedthreshold, the transmission path monitoring unit 107 generates theapparatus alarm information which includes (i) an alarm for thedegradation in the transmission path and (ii) level information aboutthe received signal. The transmission path monitoring unit 107 outputsthe apparatus alarm information to the transmission path controllingunit 108, the alarm display unit 109, and the network monitoring lineprocessing unit 103.

The transmission path monitoring unit 107 has a log storage unit 1071,and stores the transmission path state information (received from theradio sending and receiving unit 105) into the log storage unit 1071regardless of whether or not the license has expired. Below, theinformation stored in the log storage unit 1071 is called “loginformation”.

Based on the apparatus alarm information received from the transmissionpath monitoring unit 107, the transmission path controlling unit 108generates a control signal used for controlling the radio transmissionpath (e.g., for control of the transmission signal level or lineswitching processing), and outputs the control signal to the radiosending and receiving unit 105.

The transmission path controlling unit 108 receives the apparatus alarminformation from the transmission path monitoring unit 107 and sends thecontrol signal to the radio sending and receiving unit 105, not via anyof the first function limitation unit 121, the second functionlimitation unit 122, or the third function limitation unit 123.

Therefore, even when first function limitation unit 121, the secondfunction limitation unit 122, and the third function limitation unit 123performs signal disconnection due to the expiration of the relevantlicense, the transmission path controlling unit 108 can normally operatebased on the apparatus alarm information received from the transmissionpath monitoring unit 107 and continue the control of the radio sendingand receiving unit 105.

Based on the apparatus alarm information received from the transmissionpath monitoring unit 107, the alarm display unit 109 displays the alarmand the transmission path state information relating to the alarm, foran entrepreneur who manages the mobile communication system and the basestation communication system 1 (below, simply called the entrepreneur).

The entrepreneur can detect the occurrence of the abnormal state by thealarm displayed on the alarm display unit 109, and can recognize thecause of the abnormal state by the transmission path state informationdisplayed on the alarm display unit 109

The apparatus setting unit 110 performs various settings of the presentapparatus based on an apparatus setting signal output from aninformation processing terminal (called “local terminal”) which isdirectly connected to the present apparatus, or a control signaladdressed to the present apparatus, which is received from the networkmonitoring line processing unit 103. The apparatus setting unit 110 alsogenerates a signal relating to the settings for the transmission andreception by the radio sending and receiving unit 105, and outputs thegenerated signal to the transmission path controlling unit 108.

Additionally, based on a setting limitation signal output from thelicense period monitoring unit 112, the apparatus setting unit 110 putslimitations on each function of the present apparatus.

For example, when the setting limitation signal output from the licenseperiod monitoring unit 112 indicates no storage of the transmission pathstate information, the apparatus setting unit 110 sets (commands) thetransmission path monitoring unit 107 not to store the transmission pathstate information. In such a case, the transmission path monitoring unit107 does not store the transmission path state information in accordancewith the relevant setting.

The target function for the limitation is not limited to the storage ofthe transmission path state information, and any appropriate functionmay be a target for the limitation.

The license information storage unit 111 is implement by an internalmemory which cannot be detached and attached, a detachable memory card,or the like, and stores license information set for each communicationapparatus 10.

The license information includes a license type and period information.The license type indicates each function which can be used according tothe relevant license, among the functions of the present apparatus, andthe period information indicates the period during which the license iseffective.

The license information storage unit 111 may store a plurality oflicense information items. In such a case, license information item mayhave individual period information.

The license information stored by the license information storage unit111 is updated by rewriting it by the entrepreneur or the like.

The rewriting of the license may be performed by downloading new licenseinformation via a network or replacing the detachable memory card with acard which stores new license information. Any existing method may beused for the rewriting.

The license period monitoring unit 112 receives the license informationfrom the license information storage unit 111, and monitors the licensetype and the period information.

When the license period has expired, the license period monitoring unit112 generates a function limitation signal, and outputs it to the firstfunction limitation unit 121 to the third function limitation unit 123.

When the license period monitoring unit 112 detects renewal of thelicense (i.e., within the period), it stops outputting the functionlimitation signal and outputs a release signal to the first functionlimitation unit 121 to the third function limitation unit 123.

The terminal connection unit 113 is implemented using a connector forconnecting cables, or the like, and is an interface for connecting alocal terminal to the present apparatus.

The first function limitation unit 121 is provided among the managementline processing unit 102, the signal multiplexing unit 104, and thesignal extraction unit 106, and limits, inputting and outputting of themanagement signal by the management line processing unit 102, based onthe function limitation signal output from the license period monitoringunit 112.

More specifically, when receiving the function limitation signal, thefirst function limitation unit 121 disconnects the management signaloutput from the management line processing unit 102 to the signalmultiplexing unit 104, and the management signal output from the signalextraction unit 106 to the management line processing unit 102.

When the first function limitation unit 121 receives no functionlimitation signal or receives the release signal, the first functionlimitation unit 121 does not disconnect the management signal outputfrom the management line processing unit 102 to the signal multiplexingunit 104, and the management signal output from the signal extractionunit 106 to the management line processing unit 102.

The second function limitation unit 122 is provided among the apparatussetting unit 110, the network monitoring line processing unit 103, andthe terminal connection unit 113, and limits inputting of a signal intothe apparatus setting unit 110, based on the function limitation signaloutput from the license period monitoring unit 112.

More specifically, when receiving the function limitation signal, thesecond function limitation unit 122 disconnects the control signaloutput from the network monitoring line processing unit 103 to theapparatus setting unit 110, and the apparatus setting signal output fromthe terminal connection unit 113 to the apparatus setting unit 110.

When the second function limitation unit 122 receives no functionlimitation signal or receives the release signal, the second functionlimitation unit 122 does not disconnect the control signal output fromthe network monitoring line processing unit 103 to the apparatus settingunit 110, and the apparatus setting signal output from the terminalconnection unit 113 to the apparatus setting unit 110.

The third function limitation unit 123 is provided among thetransmission path monitoring unit 107, the network monitoring lineprocessing unit 103, and the alarm display unit 109, and the terminalconnection unit 113, and limits outputting of a signal from thetransmission path monitoring unit 107, based on the function limitationsignal output from the license period monitoring unit 112.

More specifically, when receiving the function limitation signal, thethird function limitation unit 123 disconnects the signal of theapparatus alarm information output from the transmission path monitoringunit 107 to the network monitoring line processing unit 103 and thealarm display unit 109, and the signal of the log information outputfrom the transmission path monitoring unit 107 to the terminalconnection unit 113.

When the third function limitation unit 123 receives no functionlimitation signal or receives the release signal, the third functionlimitation unit 123 does not disconnect the signal of the apparatusalarm information output from the transmission path monitoring unit 107to the network monitoring line processing unit 103 and the alarm displayunit 109, and the signal of the log information output from thetransmission path monitoring unit 107 to the terminal connection unit113.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation relating to the license,among the operations of the communication apparatus 10.

First, the license period monitoring unit 112 confirms the licenseinformation (see step S101). Specifically, the license period monitoringunit 112 confirms whether or not the license period has expired (seestep S102).

If the license period has expired (i.e., “YES” in step S102), themanagement line processing unit 102 sends the function limitation signalto each of the first function limitation unit 121 to the third functionlimitation unit 123 (see step S103).

When the first function limitation unit 121 to the third functionlimitation unit 123 each receive the function limitation signal, thefollowing functions are limited, such as a management line communicationfunction (for the entrepreneur to perform telephone or datacommunication via the management line); an apparatus setting function(for the apparatus setting unit 110 to perform the settings for thepresent apparatus or the transmission path based on the apparatussetting signal or the control signal); an alarming function (for thealarm display unit 109 to output the alarm and the transmission pathstate information relating to the alarm), and a log outputting function(for the local terminal to display the transmission path stateinformation (stored in the log storage unit 1071) via the terminalconnection unit 113).

As described above, when the license period has expired, the functionsof the communication apparatus 10 (for the entrepreneur) can be limitedwithout affecting the user signal.

When the first function limitation unit 121 to the third functionlimitation unit 123 each receive the function limitation signal, theystart disconnecting of the relevant signals (see step S104). After that,the communication apparatus 10 iterates the operation from step S101.

In the above step S102, when the license period has not yet expired(i.e., “NO” in S102), the license period monitoring unit 112 furtherconfirms whether or not the license has been updated (see step S105).

If the license has been updated (“YES” in step S105), the license periodmonitoring unit 112 sends the release signal to each of the firstfunction limitation unit 121 to the third function limitation unit 123(see step S106).

When receiving the release signal, the first function limitation unit121 to the third function limitation unit 123 stop the disconnection ofthe relevant signals (see step S107). After that, the communicationapparatus 10 iterates the operation from step S101.

In the above step S105, when the license has not been updated (“NO” inS105), the communication apparatus 10 also iterates the operation fromstep S101.

In the communication apparatus 10 having the structure as describedabove, each function limitation unit (i.e., the first functionlimitation unit 121 to the third function limitation unit 123) and thelicense period monitoring unit 112 are provided, and predeterminedsignals flowing through the corresponding circuits in the communicationapparatus 10 can be disconnected in accordance with the expiration ofthe license period. Therefore, the manufacturer or seller of thecommunication apparatus 10 can effectively apply a charge correspondingto the license, to the user (or entrepreneur) of the communicationapparatus 10.

In addition, no function limitation unit is applied to each circuitthrough which the user signal passes. Therefore, even when the licenseperiod has expired, the user signal is not disconnected. Accordingly,even when the license period of the communication apparatus 10 hasexpired, the mobile station apparatus MS can perform telephone or datacommunication via the base transfer station 20 and the radio networkcontroller 30, similar to the ordinary state.

When the license period has expired, the following states appear.

-   (i) Since the first function limitation unit 121 disconnects the    inputting and outputting of the management signal, the entrepreneur    cannot perform telephone or data communication by using the    management signal and the management communication apparatus 50.-   (ii) Since the second function limitation unit 122 disconnects the    inputting of the signal into the apparatus setting unit 110, it is    impossible to change the settings of the communication apparatus 10    by means of a remote operation using the central monitoring    apparatus 60 or a local operation using the local terminal.-   (iii) Since the third function limitation unit 123 disconnects the    outputting of the signal from the transmission path monitoring unit    107, it is impossible to obtain the alarm and the transmission path    state information relating to the alarm by means of the alarm    display unit 109, and it is also impossible to confirm the log    information by means of the local terminal.

As described above, the communication apparatus 10 makes it possible tolimit the relevant functions provided for the manager (or entrepreneur)of the communication apparatus 10 in accordance with the expiration ofthe license, without affecting the user of the mobile station apparatusMS (i.e., end user).

In the communication apparatus 10, regardless of whether or not thelicense period has expired, the transmission path monitoring unit 107stores the transmission path state information into the log storage unit1071, so that the log information is continuously accumulated.Therefore, even if the license period has temporarily expired, when thelicense is updated afterwards, the entrepreneur can refer to the pastlog information for the period while the license has expired.

When the first function limitation unit 121, the second functionlimitation unit 122, and the third function limitation unit 123 are eachimplemented in a hardware form, the target signals flowing through therelevant circuits in the communication apparatus 10 are physicallydisconnected, and thus it is difficult to illegally transmit thedisconnected signals in spite of the license expiration.

The license period monitoring unit 112 of the communication apparatus 10may be implemented by executing a license period monitoring programwhich is non-rewritably stored in a ROM built in the communicationapparatus 10.

In such a case of implementing the license period monitoring unit 112 asa function of a firmware resource, it is difficult to illegally stop theoutputting of the function limitation signal in spite of the licenseexpiration, or to illegally output the release signal in spite of noupdating of the license.

In addition, the transmission path controlling unit 108 receives theapparatus alarm information (used for maintaining the transmission ofthe user signal) from the transmission path monitoring unit 107 andsends the control signal to the radio sending and receiving unit 105,not via any of the first function limitation unit 121, the secondfunction limitation unit 122, and the third function limitation unit123.

Therefore, even when the function limitation units 121 to 123 areexecuting the signal disconnection according to the license expiration,the transmission path controlling unit 108 can normally operate based onthe apparatus alarm information received from the transmission pathmonitoring unit 107 and can continue the control of the radio sendingand receiving unit 105.

Variation

In the above explanation, the communication apparatus 10 is used in thebase station communication system 1 of the mobile communication system.However, the base station communication system 1 is only an example ofthe system to which the communication apparatus 10 can be applied. Thatis, the communication apparatus 10 may be applied to any communicationsystem such as a communication system for implementing a dedicated linefor an enterprise or a communication system for implementing a fixedline for an entrepreneur who handles communication.

In any case, the user signal is a signal required when an end userperforms communication, and the specific form of the user signal dependson each system to which the communication apparatus 10 is applied.

For example, for a communication path formed using multiplecommunication apparatuses 10, the user signal may be a signal requiredfor maintaining the communication between the apparatuses connected toboth ends of the transmission path is a user signal, or a signalcommunicated by an end user.

FIG. 4 is a general block diagram showing the functional structure of avariation of the communication apparatus 10.

The communication apparatus 10 as the variation further includes asimple alarm display unit 1091.

In comparison with the alarm display unit 109, the simple alarm displayunit 1091 displays only the alarm, and thus does not display thetransmission path state information relating to the alarm. In addition,the simple alarm display unit 1091 directly receives the alarm from thetransmission path monitoring unit 107, not via the third functionlimitation unit 123.

Therefore, in the communication apparatus 10 having the structure shownin FIG. 4, even if the license period has expired, the entrepreneur candetect the occurrence of an abnormal state by means of the simple alarmdisplay unit 1091. However, in this case, the entrepreneur cannot referto the transmission path state information relating to the alarm, andthus it is difficult for the entrepreneur to handle the abnormal state.

In accordance with predetermined ranks for the abnormal state, thetransmission path monitoring unit 107 determines the rank assigned to anoccurring abnormal state. If an abnormal state having a predeterminedhigh degree of seriousness has occurred, the apparatus alarm informationmay be directly output to the alarm display unit 109 not via the thirdfunction limitation unit 123. In addition, the third function limitationunit 123 may perform the above determination based on the abnormal stateranks. In such a case, if an abnormal state having a predetermined highdegree of seriousness has occurred, it is possible that the thirdfunction limitation unit 123 does not block out the apparatus alarminformation from the transmission path monitoring unit 107 so that theinformation reaches the alarm display unit 109.

In the communication apparatus 10 having the above-described structure,the entrepreneur cannot have the apparatus alarm information about anabnormal state having a relatively low degree of seriousness and thus itis difficult for the entrepreneur to manage the abnormal state. However,if an abnormal state has occurred, which has a high degree ofseriousness by which the user signal cannot be communicated, then theentrepreneur can appropriately handle the abnormal state by examiningthe apparatus alarm information.

Accordingly, it is possible to more effectively prevent the expiredlicense from affecting the user of the relevant mobile station apparatusMS (i.e., end user).

In addition, if an abnormal state having a predetermined high degree ofseriousness has occurred, the transmission path monitoring unit 107 asarranged above may output the relevant information to the simple alarmdisplay unit 1091.

When the license has expired, the license period monitoring unit 112 mayoutput information about the expiration of the license and informationrelating to the license by means of letters, images, or voices so as tocommunicate such information to the user of the communication apparatus10 (i.e., entrepreneur).

Although the communication apparatus 10 performs radio communicationusing the radio sending and receiving unit 105 in the above explanation,the communication apparatus 10 may be configured to perform cablecommunication using a cable (communication) sending and receiving unitin stead of the radio sending and receiving unit 105.

Additionally, in the above explanation, when the license is expired, thelicense period monitoring unit 112 sends the function limitation signalto each of the first function limitation unit 121 to the third functionlimitation unit 123. However, the license period monitoring unit 112 maysend the function limitation signal to part of the first functionlimitation units.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described in detailwith reference to the drawings, specific structures are not limited tothe embodiments. Various design modifications or the like can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In accordance with the present invention, in a communication apparatusthat transmits a user signal required for an end user to performcommunication, it is possible to limit a function of the apparatus whena relevant license has expired, while preventing an influence of thelimitation upon the end user.

REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 base station communication system-   20 base transfer station-   30 radio network controller-   101 user line processing unit (user signal transmission unit)-   102 management line processing unit-   103 network monitoring line processing unit-   104 signal multiplexing unit-   105 radio sending and receiving unit-   106 signal extraction unit-   107 transmission path monitoring unit-   1071 log storage unit-   108 transmission path controlling unit-   109 alarm display unit-   1091 simple alarm display unit-   110 apparatus setting unit-   111 license information storage unit-   112 license period monitoring unit-   113 terminal connection unit-   121 first function limitation unit-   122 second function limitation unit-   123 third function limitation unit-   40 monitored apparatus-   50 management communication apparatus-   60 central monitoring apparatus

The invention claimed is:
 1. An entrepreneur communication apparatus ofan entrepreneur, wherein: the entrepreneur communication apparatusrelays communication with a communication apparatus of an end user in acommunication system managed by the entrepreneur, and the entrepreneurcommunication apparatus comprises at least one hardware processorprogrammed to: perform a radio sending and receiving function tocommunicate with another entrepreneur communication apparatus via aradio transmission path; send and receive a user signal to and fromanother apparatus using the radio sending and receiving function, wherethe user signal is required for the end user to perform communication;perform a manager function provided to a manager of the entrepreneurcommunication apparatus, where the manager function includes outputtingto the radio sending and receiving function a first control signal usedfor controlling the radio sending and receiving function; monitor alicense of the entrepreneur communication apparatus; and disconnect thefirst control signal to be output to the radio sending and receivingfunction when the license has expired, wherein the sending and receivingthe user signal is not restricted when the license has expired, andwherein the license is associated with the radio sending and receivingfunction.
 2. The entrepreneur communication apparatus in accordance withclaim 1, wherein: the manager function includes transmitting a managersignal used by the manager to perform communication; and the at leastone hardware processor is further configured to block the transmissionof the manager signal when the license has expired.
 3. The entrepreneurcommunication apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the managerfunction includes updating settings of the entrepreneur communicationapparatus based on a second control signal generated by the anotherapparatus; and the at least one hardware processor is further configuredto block the second control signal input into the manager function whenthe license has expired.
 4. The entrepreneur communication apparatus inaccordance with claim 1, wherein: the manager function includesdetecting occurrence of an abnormal state and generating apparatus alarminformation, where the information contains an alarm that indicatesoccurrence of the abnormal state, and radio transmission path stateinformation that relates to the abnormal state.
 5. The entrepreneurcommunication apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein: the managerfunction includes performing notification of occurrence of the abnormalstate and display of the radio transmission path state information; andthe at least one hardware processor is further programmed to disable thenotification and the display when the license has expired.
 6. Theentrepreneur communication apparatus in accordance with claim 4,wherein: the manager function includes transmitting the apparatus alarminformation to the another apparatus; and the at least one hardwareprocessor is further programmed to disconnect the apparatus alarminformation to be output to the another apparatus.
 7. The entrepreneurcommunication apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:a log storage unit configured to store transmission path stateinformation which indicates a state of a transmission path for thetransmission user signal, wherein the at least one hardware processor isfurther programmed to block the stored transmission path stateinformation to be output from the log storage unit.
 8. The entrepreneurcommunication apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein: whendetecting occurrence of the abnormal state which makes it difficult tosend and receive the user signal, the at least one hardware processor isfurther programmed not to disable the notification of occurrence of theabnormal state and the display of the radio transmission path stateinformation even if the license has expired.
 9. A communication methodthat performs communication with a communication apparatus of an enduser, wherein: the communication is performed via relay by anentrepreneur communication apparatus of an entrepreneur in acommunication system managed by the entrepreneur, and the communicationmethod comprises: performing a radio sending and receiving function tocommunicate with another entrepreneur communication apparatus via aradio transmission path; sending and receiving a user signal to and fromthe another apparatus using the radio sending and receiving function,where the user signal is required for the end user to performcommunication; performing a manager function provided to a manager ofthe entrepreneur communication apparatus, where the manager functionincludes outputting to the radio sending and receiving function a firstcontrol signal used for controlling the radio sending and receivingfunction; monitoring a license of the entrepreneur communicationapparatus; and disconnecting the first control signal to the radiosending and receiving function when the license has expired, wherein thesending and receiving the user signal is not restricted when the licensehas expired, and wherein the license is associated with the radiosending and receiving function.
 10. A license management apparatuscomprising: at least one hardware processor configured to implement: afirst function execution processor configured to execute a sending andreceiving function which sends and receives a user signal to and fromanother apparatus; a second function execution processor configured toexecute a monitoring function which monitors a state of the sending andreceiving function; and a function limitation processor configured todisconnect information relating to the state of the sending andreceiving function to be output to the another apparatus, afterdetecting that a license of the license management apparatus does notsatisfy a condition, wherein the first function execution processor isnot restricted after it is detected that the license does not satisfythe condition, and wherein the license is associated with the sendingand receiving function.
 11. The license management apparatus of claim10, wherein: the second function execution processor is furtherconfigured to execute an alarm inform function, which outputs a signalindicating a predetermined state of the sending and receiving function;and the function limitation processor limits execution of the alarminform function, after detecting that the license of the licensemanagement apparatus does not satisfy the condition.
 12. The licensemanagement apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the function limitationprocessor unlocks a limitation on the alarm inform function afterdetecting that the license of the license management apparatus satisfiesthe condition.
 13. The license management apparatus of claim 10,wherein: an end user who performs communication by using the user signalis provided a service of transmission of the user signal by an operatorof the license management apparatus.
 14. The license managementapparatus of claim 10, wherein: the first function execution processor,the second function execution processor, and the function limitationprocessor are configured by utilizing one or more processers.
 15. Alicense management apparatus comprising: at least one hardware processorconfigured to implement: a first function execution processor configuredto execute at least one of a plurality of first functions, the at leastone of the plurality of first functions being a sending and receivingfunction which sends and receives a user signal to and from anotherapparatus; a second function execution processor configured to executeat least a second function including to monitor a state of the sendingand receiving function; and a function limitation processor configuredto disconnect information relating to the state of the sending andreceiving function to be output to the another apparatus, afterdetecting that a license of the license management apparatus does notsatisfy a condition, wherein each of the plurality of first functions isnot restricted after it is detected that the license of the licensemanagement apparatus does not satisfy the condition, and wherein thelicense is associated with the sending and receiving function.
 16. Aradio relay communication device comprising: at least one hardwareprocessor programmed to: send input data to an opposing radio relaycommunication device by a transmitted radio signal; receive a receivedradio signal from the opposing radio relay communication device; monitorthe received radio signal; generate an alarm if the received radiosignal is lower than a threshold; control a line switching based on thealarm; determine whether or not the radio relay communication device isoperating in accordance with a license; and control that the alarm ishidden after determining the radio relay communication device is notoperating in accordance with the license, wherein the transmitted radiosignal and the received radio signal are not disconnected afterdetermining the radio relay communication device is not operating inaccordance with the license, and wherein the license is associated withsending the transmitted radio signal, and receiving the received radiosignal.
 17. A radio relay communication method performed by a radiorelay communication device, the radio relay communication methodcomprising: sending input data to an opposing radio relay communicationdevice by a transmitted radio signal; receiving a received radio signalfrom the opposing radio relay communication device; monitoring thereceived radio signal; generating an alarm if the received radio signalis lower than a threshold; controlling a line switching based on thealarm; monitoring whether or not the radio relay communication devicehas a license; and controlling that the alarm is hidden after expirationof the license, wherein the transmitted radio signal and the receivedradio signal are not disconnected after expiration of the license, andwherein the license is associated with sending the transmitted radiosignal, and receiving the received radio signal.